Runner's World Magazine Names LA Marathon 'Best Big City Race'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reflecting its elevated status as a premier race, the LA Marathon has received the coveted designation as the nation's best big city race in the January issue of Runner's World magazine.

This significant recognition in the magazine's featured 2013 Marathon Guide is another indicator of the race's gaining popularity among runners across the world. Current registration totals for the 2013 LA Marathon, with its iconic Stadium to the Sea course, are at an all-time high and significantly outpacing historic totals, according to race officials.

Julie Weiss, an ultra-experienced marathoner from Santa Monica, summarizes her enthusiasm for the LA Marathon in the article. The LA Marathon was her first 26.2 mile-race in 2008, and 2013 will be her third time running the Stadium to the Sea course. The 2013 LA Marathon will also be the last marathon on her journey to complete 52 marathons in one year to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of her father, who died from the disease in 2010.

"I wanted to make sure that my final marathon would be my favorite one, which is why I chose the LA Marathon to culminate this huge accomplishment," Weiss said. "With its fantastic course, the LA Marathon is one of the most exciting races in the country."

The 2013 LA Marathon will be the fourth running of the wildly popular Stadium to the Sea course, which gives marathon runners a unique opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles while racing from Dodger Stadium to the Pacific Ocean, passing many of L.A.'s world‐famous landmarks along the way. Among the highlights are Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Capitol Records Building, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier.

"We are honored to be recognized by the leading running publication as the best big city race in the country," said Nick Curl, LA Marathon's Race Director. "We continue to challenge ourselves to enhance the runner experience from year to year, and recognitions like these confirm that our efforts are working. Registration is also at an extremely brisk pace, so this year in particular, I urge runners to sign up now and don't get left behind."

The current price to sign up for the LA Marathon is $165, and will remain at that level until January 15th. The race is capped, so participants are encouraged to register online soon at www.lamarathon.com.

ABOUT LA MARATHON LLC: We inspire athletes and connect communities. With thousands of volunteers, tens of thousands of participants, and hundreds of thousands of spectators, the LA Marathon is one of the largest organized road races in the country. The Stadium to the Sea course, which starts at Dodger Stadium and finishes by the Santa Monica Pier, is considered one of the most scenic in the world. Unique among major road races, it passes through four cities and federal property.